Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full Privacy Policy.

Maui and Kauai

My family with two teenagers is planning on going to the BI, Maui, and Kauai for two weeks in August. We're going to stay in the Hilton Waikoloa on the BI because we have hilton points, but we don't have any clue where to begin when looking for where to stay on the other two islands because there are so many choices? Can anyone recommend which area of the islands would be best to stay at so we can narrow down our choices. I don't know where is the best place to stay for beauty and accessibilty. Recommendations of hotels would be great also (nice but not too pricey), and I was thinking that a condo might also be a good idea, but I don't understand why they seem so much cheaper than the resorts. Do they really offer that much less?

I would say that you would have the most to do on Maui. My favoured area here is the Wailea area...I don't quite know what your budget is but you might want to check out the Kea Lani...it is a fabulous property and is suite style...you would have a microwave, little frig, and sink...we save a bit by purchasing breakfast foods at the local grocery store(lunch too). There is a little gourmet deli on site(or there used to be) that turns into a pizzeria in the evening...a little more reasonable. Lovely rooms and connected by an oceanfront walkway to the Four Seasons, Renaissance Wailea(I believe) and an Aston property plus some condos....truly lovely...4-5 crescent beaches in a row. We stayed at the Hyatt on Kauai, but I understand that they know have a Sheraton close by. The water on the south shore will be wavy in August though...much more placid on the north shore...Princeville is a phenomenal hotel with a view to die for, but not sure of recent rates...if you are a Starwood member it may be cheaper. On the BI, the highlight will be the property you have chosen it...my children will remember it as their most favourite of all the islands. The sights on the BI beyond the volcano which was a drive, were not very exciting in comparison to the other islands. I found that many of the condos did not provide the same amenities as the resorts did...although friends of ours did stay at the Wailea Elua condos and like them.

As much as I like the Wailea area of Maui, our teenagers MUCH prefer Kaanapali(more kids, more action, closer to Lahaina, etc.) Hotel choices there would be the Westin, Marriot, Hyatt, Sheraton. There are a few good condos in the area also. It just seems that if the kids are happier, the adults can actually ENJOY themselves more. Good Luck !!